Herb Garden Plants
The purpose of this article is to provide you an overall review of herbs and their characteristics and to help you start a herb garden. Like other plant species herbs appear in biennials, perennials and annuals. There is a plethora of types of herb plants that produce a myriad of products. If it your intention to grow a particular herb you will meet with a greater degree of success if you learn as much as you can about the particular herb plant.
The three types of herb plants:
Annuals – These plants complete their life cycle in one year. They have to be replanted every year. They include such plants as summer savory, basil and cilantro. These plants will not survive cold weather.
Biennial – These plants sign up for a two year term. They will grow and produce leaves and flowers the first year and seed in the second season. This type includes angelica, caraway and parsley and should be planted in late spring.
Perennials – And here we have the lifers. Perennials can live through cold weather and come back year after year. Examples include winter savory and sage. These make more reliable additions to an outdoor garden.
Each type of seed being planted requires careful soil preparation. Prior to planting the ground should be carefully worked into a smooth consistency and slightly moistened. The seeds should be planted in shallow rows and kept moist during germination. Covering the bed with wet burlap or plastic will help with moisture.
Herbs are also grouped into the categories for which they are used. Here are some of their uses:
Functions:
Culinary – This exciting aspect of herbs is the favorite of all epicureans. Culinary herbs come in a small package with a powerful punch when used in food preparation. They are the most useful to the herb gardener. Included in this type are cumin, basil, savory, parsley, sage, thyme, marjoram and chives. They are the most useful to the herb gardener because they add zest to a wide variety of foods and are treasured by many.
Aromatic – Many herbs give off extremely pleasing and enjoyable aromas from there flowers and leaves. These include rosemary, mint, loyage, lemon verbena and lavender. Oil from these herbs can be used for numerous sweet smelling items such as toilet water and perfumes. Some herb plant foliage can be used to give clothing or linens a fresh scent. They can also be dried and included into potpourri which will preserve the aroma for a long time.
Medicinal – Herbal remedies have been used for many centuries. Many people believe that certain herbs have curative powers. There are some herbs that have been recognized by reputable medical authorities as being helpful to ones health in some cases. There are skeptics who disagree but if it works for you all the better. Just be very careful in considering herbal cures. Some herbs can be dangerous if consumed. Other than a nice cup of herbal tea this author advises caution when considering herbal remedies.
All three of these functions earn the herb family high praise but there is another function they serve that brings beauty to our lives. In addition to their medicinal uses, aromas and flavors there foliage and flowers give us a kaleidoscope of colorful beauty. Chicory and borage produces beautiful blue flowers and the crimson blossoms of the valerian are spectacular.
Herbs are wonderful plants. They make our lives better in many ways and some are even multi-faceted. The humble mint is a great addition to pest control, cooking and beverages. So learn more about these wonder plants and you will surely find one or several that will make your life better.
